Motor well Bait Station 2011

[77SceptreOB]

I've always admired the bait stations that are integrated into the solid transoms when people rebuild them. Adding a double fiberglass Hermco bracket and twin 150 four strokes is all the better. Okay, maybe I'm still dreaming and need to snap back into reality!!

But seriously, The classic 23's with the O/B configuration have a HUGE motor well that has A LOT of wasted space. It got me thinking, why can't some one design and build a "Bait Station" utilizing that space?? Well I'm gonna try!

The Goal is to look something like this....



This is where I start....




The design will look something like this...



Maybe add a small sink on the left and a cutting board in the center???

More later....

[77SceptreOB]

From a design standpoint, I need to make sure the motor cutout is large enough to tilt the motor All the way up to the "lock" position.



And also need to be sure the motor can turn left or right completely when in the trim position. I.e. shallow water operation.

[77SceptreOB]

My "Livewell" design is an oval shape that will fit in the motorwell area and net out at least 20 gallon capacity.

Well the model/plug that I built has an 18 gallon capacity.... close enough.

[Wildman]

Really? It seams easier to just close the transom in, put a bracket and make an integrated livewell. Personaly I like to be able to sit or kneel right next to the motor while I am working on it. Unless your making the 'topper' removable it wont be possible.
Why not use a large bait board until your ready to put the bracket on?

[77SceptreOB]

Well after consulting with one of our resident fiberglass experts (Dave W. a.k.a. "Blue Heron") I built the mold for the top section. I integrated a trench leading to a small sink next to (behind) the cutting board area.The opening on the left (inverted) is the lip to accept the livewell tank.



After the first coat of gelcoat.

[77SceptreOB]

Now its time for fiberglass. 3 layers of 3/4 oz CSM, then 1 layer of 6 oz, then one layer of 10 oz. Added a stiffner to span the width and for strength.

[77SceptreOB]

Okay, Time to pop the part out of the mold and see what we have....

Now to trial fit it on the boat and see how we did...Pretty close, need to trim one end (Notch)



Now the sucky part... Lots of fairing! Yuck! But it determines the quality of the work from a finish point of view.

[ScottM]

It seems all integrated bait/livewells are along the centerline and yours is on the port side. Do you have something on the starboard side to offset the possible 105-110lbs of water in the well?

Cool design BTW.

[77SceptreOB]

Fully filled its 160 pounds. Battery (80 lbs) is on the starboard side as is the helm. Have trim tabs too, when running. Should balance out ok.

[uncleboo]

Did you do all of this yesterday?!!! You're an animal!